Thomas b



(No Model.)

' TFB. JEPFERY.

LOOK.

No. 405,842. Patented June 25, 1889.,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

THOMAS B. 'JEFFERY, OF RAVENSWVOOD, ILLINOIS.

LOCK.

v SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 405,842, dated June 25, 1889.

Application filed March 12, 1888. Serial No. 267,050- (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, THOMAS B. JEEEERY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Ravenswood, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Locks, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in looks for doors, drawers, and similar structures; and it consists in the means employed for preventing the misplacement of its keys when not in use by forming a receptacle for the key or keys independently of the ordinary key-hole, and in such position that its opening is concealed by the act of closing the door or drawer.

The improvement is best adapted for use with the style of locks called mortise-locks, but not necessarily confined to that class of lock.

In carrying out my invention I construct a receptacle or box, of sufficient depth to receive the entire key, and insert the same in a mortise out in the edge of the door, drawer,

or frame of the same. The receptacle can be convenientlymade by forming it in the lockcase integral therewith, as shown in the accompanying drawings, or it maybe a detached device. a

In Figure l is shown a side elevation of the lock with the key in. its receptacle. Fig. 2 is an end elevation, and Fig. 3 a horizontal section, of the receptacle through its center.

In the difierent views, A represents the body of the lock; B, the receptacle or box constructed to go in the mortise, which con-- tains the lock, and having its greatest length parallel with the door-bolt.

C is an ordinary key in its receptacle.

D D are springs to retain the key or keys that accompany the lock. These springs conform somewhat to the depressions and protuberance of part of the key and operate to prevent its accidental dislodgment.

E is the aperture through which the keys are inserted, and is located at the edge of the lock, and consequently at the edge of the structure it is inserted into. The receptacle is connected to the lock-case, preferably under the bolt, but its position either above or below the lock mechanism is a matter of slight importance.

The key shown at C is fitted to engage with the lock mechanism through the ordinary keyhole 0, but when not in use for looking or unlocking it is preserved, as well as one or more duplicates, in the receptacle B until again required. Its connection with the lock in this manner prevents to a great degree the accidental mixture of keys pertaining to different locks in the handling the devices undergo before they are permanently located, and prevents loss and breakage occurring to keys when left, as is usual, in the ordinary keyhole, as in c.

The spring D may be in one or more parts and of suitable shape to exert a slight pressure on the key to prevent its accidental dislodgment, and to prevent its rattling when the receptacle is moved. The springs, as shown, consist of two blades or wings having a shoulder or offset conforming somewhat to the projection 011 the key. They also separate the cavity into divisions forming spaces for two keys, which is the number frequently supplied with each lock sent from its factory. The key may be held in its cavity by friction against its sides, or by gravity alone, and it may be placed in a vertical position instead of horizontal, as shown, or even in an inclined direction, without altering the invention.

I claim as my invention 1. In a lock, in combination with the two abutting parts, which are secured together by it, the lock case having a key receptacle formed within it, such receptacle having its entrance at the plane of the abutting edges of the locked parts, substantially as set forth.

2. In combination with the case containing a key-receptacle, a spring located in such receptacle and operating upon the key to retain it therein, substantially as set forth.

TI-IOS. B. J EFFERY.

lVitnesses:

H. B. HALLOCK, N. G. HARRIS. 

